asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he can state the present position of the Land Commission in connection with the proposal for the acquisition and division of the estate of Deborah E. Ball, Co. Offaly (Record No. s/908), and if these lands are likely to be divided amongst the local uneconomic holders and landless men during the next two or three months.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - BALL ESTATE, OFFALY.
Mr. HOGAN
The price to be paid for the lands referred to has been fixed, but possession of them will not be taken until 31st December next, and in the meantime a scheme for the division is being prepared. Possession is taken and the scheme is put into operation on the same day.
When possession of these lands has been taken by the Land Commission will the Commissioners consider the advisability of enabling workers who have grazing rights on these estates to exercise their rights, and not have their cattle driven out on the roadside and action taken by the Gárda Síochána? I think the Minister is aware these are the facts.
Mr. HOGAN
They are. What can the Land Commission do? At present A.B. owns the land. On the 31st December the Land Commission will own the land, and until that date A.B. can do what he likes, except an Act of Parliament is passed saying that on a given day the Land Commission shall own all the lands in the country. That cannot be done. I know that owners when they get an inspection, dismiss the labourers with a view to getting them to agitate for the retention of the land. That is quite common, and has happened in various cases, and for all I know, it has happened here.
It has happened.